This workshop will build upon the skills and techniques taught in the ACA’s Technical Canyoneering Course.

ADVANCED ROPEWORK
Rope work for advanced and expert-rated canyons. Topics covered include advanced knots and anchor systems, rigging and using retrievable anchor systems, advanced techniques for rope deployment, efficient rope management, multi-pitch rappels, sequencing and pre-rigged rappels, combination rappel and passive lower for long drops, advanced rope work for traverses and extremely strong water current, direct aid climbing techniques, guided rappels, rebelays, deviations, and strategies for first descents.

ASCENDING FIXED ROPES
Techniques for efficient ascending of fixed ropes using mechanical ascenders or Prusik cord. Students will also learn how to ascend with only one ascender, how to pass a knot while ascending or rappelling, how to convert a rappelling anchor to an efficient ascending anchor, how to transition from rappelling to ascending and from ascending while at mid-rope.

Sunday, 18 January, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Chatsworth, California

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This workshop provides students with the basic canyoneering skills and techniques needed to descend canyons with competent leaders.

Topics covered will include:

• Low impact canyoneering practices
• Equipment selection, use and care
• Knots and hitches
• Climbing, belaying and handlines
• Specialized rappelling techniques
• Adding friction mid-rappel
• Locking off on rappel
• Belaying a rappeller
• Pros and cons of self-belays
• Basic self-rescue

Prerequisite: None

This workshop is free to members of the American Canyoneering Association. You must be a member before you register. Join the ACA

Saturday, 17 January, 8:00 AM to Noon
Chatsworth, California

Register for the workshop in Chatsworth CA on 17 Jan

The Totem is the “Swiss Army Knife” of rappelling and rigging devices. Deceptively simple-looking, the Totem is remarkably versatile. Use it for rappelling and for releasable rigging systems on single AND double rope. Simple to add friction mid-rappel. Simple to lock-off.

Join canyoneering instructor and Totem designer, Rich Carlson, for a full-day workshop to learn many of the Totem’s amazing uses. Techniques learned will include:

• Rigging for friction on single and double ropes
• Adding friction mid-rappel
• Locking off mid-rappel
• Ascending with the Totem
• Stop and go rappels
• Z-Rig rappels
• Alternatives to the stone knot
• Rigging releasable blocks on single ropes
• Rigging releasable systems on double ropes
• Rigging guided rappels
• Using the Totem as a “trolley” for guided rappels
• Belaying two climbers at the same time

Although this workshop will focus on using the Totem, we will also cover similar rappelling and rigging techniques with other devices, including standard figure eights, the Double Eight, the Petzl Pirana, Salewa Guide Evo, Kong Ghost, Kong Gi Gi and Black Diamond ATC-XP Guide.

Workshop fee includes your own Totem

Saturday, 3 January, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Cedar City, Utah

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Canyoneering involves some of the most remote and rugged terrain imaginable, where access to emergency medical care can be extremely difficult, if not impossible. Canyoneers must learn to be self-sufficient and one critical step is acquiring solid first aid skills. Offered in cooperation with the American Canyoneering Association and the Emergency Care and Safety Institute.

The course is designed to provide training in general areas of back country emergency and extended care, as well as specific training related to canyoneering-specific injuries and illnesses. The material covered makes this course ideal for anyone involved in climbing and paddling sports as well.

Lecture and discussion, practical exercises and outdoor scenarios help students gain confidence and encourage the development of critical decision-making skills. No previous training or experience is required.

Topics covered include:

• action in an emergency
• patient assessment and emergency care
• care of bleeding, wounds and burns
• musculoskeletal and soft tissue injuries
• splinting, dressing and bandages
• circulatory emergencies
• respiratory emergencies
• neurological emergencies
• abdominal emergencies
• diabetic emergencies and allergies
• physical and environmental hazards
• heat injuries and dehydration
• cold injuries
• altitude emergencies
• poisons, toxins and poisonous plants
• bites and stings
• water emergencies
• search and rescue operations
• patient packaging and transportation
• first aid kits and improvised supplies

While many of the topics covered appear to be standard emergency care, the backcountry emphasis on long-term care and evacuation makes this course unique. The curriculum, training materials and text were developed through a collaboration between the Wilderness Medical Society and the Emergency Care and Safety Institute.

Saturday, 10 January
Cedar City, Utah

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